If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you want to make sure that you are approaching things carefully, especially if you are buying the equipment outside of a heating and air conditioning company. For the best results and a reduced risk of future complications, it’s important to know what you are buying and that it’s right for your home, and the following are some of the things that you should pay attention to.
1. AC Size and Load Calculation
Correctly sizing your system is essential, and if you are purchasing the equipment yourself, this can be difficult. Units that are too small for your home won’t be able to satisfy your cooling needs, but units that are too large will cycle too often and run up your energy bills, all while keeping your home at uncomfortable temperatures.
A load calculation is what’s involved in determining the unit size for your home, and to be extremely accurate requires you to consider home size, roof materials, unit cooling capacity, climate zone, and directional orientation.
2. SEER Ratings and Efficiency
Different units will have different levels of efficiency, which are measured by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Different places also have different standards for what qualifies as efficient. If you want the most efficient system, you will want to select the highest SEER rating and make sure that the unit is appropriate for your home.
3. The Need for Annual Maintenance
When you are purchasing a new air conditioning Oshawa unit, you should be prepared to service the equipment, at least, once a year. For commercial clients, HVAC companies can often set up maintenance agreements, and regular maintenance will ensure that your system lasts as long as possible and performs at optimal levels throughout the year.
This also has a lot to do with efficiency, so if you purchased a high-efficiency system, you want to make sure that it retains that level of efficiency, and you can do so by maintaining it.
4. Installation Refusal
Even if you purchase the equipment outside of an HVAC company, you will still have to contact one for the installation to remain compliant with legal requirements and safety standards. However, be aware that some HVAC companies will refuse installation if you purchase your equipment elsewhere, so you will want to check with them before you make your purchase. They can also advise on the right equipment, as well.
